Crossing the Mediterranean: A Migrant’s Perilous Journey

Recent photos highlight the continued dangers faced by refugees crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Published July 19, 2018

Published a month ago

Two recent rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea have once again cast a spotlight on the perilous journey refugees face in their search for safety and a better life. In the span of two days, Proactiva Open Arms, a Spanish NGO dedicated to saving refugees, and the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Society both carried out rescue missions. Taken on board Proactiva Open Arms’ boat were three people – two of whom had been found dead. This comes after a new report that death rates for migrants crossing the Mediterranean have risen significantly in the last two years, even though the number of people arriving has dropped dramatically.

Here, the most recent images from the continuing struggle.

PAU BARRENA/AFP/Getty ImagesMembers of Proactiva Open Arms search for signs of life following a distress call from the Mediterranean Sea, about 80 miles off the coast of Libya, July 17.

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PAU BARRENA/AFP/Getty ImagesA woman who was reportedly in the water for 48 hours is rescued by members of Proactiva Open Arms, July 17.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesA refugee who was rescued by the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Society arrives at Spain's Port of Malaga, July 18.

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesRescued migrants stand aboard a rescue boat after their arrival at Port of Malaga, July 18.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesTwo men rescued by the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Society stick close together upon their arrival at Port of Malaga, July 18.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesA woman is helped by members of the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Society as she disembarks from a rescue boat at the Port of Malaga, July 18.

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesOne migrant wraps himself in a red blanket following his arrival at Port of Malaga, July 18.